Definitions

three legged cauldron (old); woodworking chisel (old)

Etymology

About

(traditional ) is a phono-semantic compound combining the metal radical with the phonetic (qí). In classical texts, it had two distinct meanings: an ancient metal cauldron or three-legged cooking pot, and a type of jagged saw or woodworking tool. Though these objects are now obsolete, the character's metal radical consistently links its meanings to bronze or iron implements.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern